A.N.: Hello, there... sorry for the really long wait *laughs sheepishly*. But... this chapter's about the WEDDING :D. My apologies for releasing this chapter so late (and not updating my other fic, No Regrets). I've been very busy and my exams are coming up at my college. Yet, I've managed to take some time to write this rather long chappie for your enjoyment. :] Anyway, I'd like to thank those who reviewed (Gritten-Tells, Lilian Violet, vhfluffy, snowflowersister of toshiro241, London, PAMILA DE CASTRO, justkeepscrolling, crimson dragonX, Xx-Love-NOT-War-xX, NikitaTaichou007, Kaotic Krystal, and Ryuka32), viewed, favorited, and followed. I truly appreciate your patience with this poor author. :]
So... hope you enjoy ;]
Disclaimers: Bleach belongs to Kubo Tite, but I own everything else of this fic.
"Rukia-sama, you look so pretty! Like a perfect bride." Rukia stared into her mirror, her maids excitedly tidying her clothes.
The rich, white silk of her bridal kimono and its tasseled overcoat covered her small figure. Its train fanned out on the floor as the maids brushed her hair and adjusted her makeup. Her face, framed by her short black hair, was powdered white, her lips a vibrant red. The only thing Rukia recognized about herself was her eyes, the violet irises standing out from the mask whiteness. She had never imagined herself as a bride. She closed her eyes, shaking her head.
No, she had never dared to imagine herself as Byakuya's bride.
As her maids fussed over her, making the final corrections to her clothes, she recalled the rare instances when she had imagined herself getting married. When she was a little girl in Rukongai, there was one time she thought that she would marry Renji (although now she couldn't even picture that happening). When she had escaped to the Living World and met Ichigo, there was one brief moment where she had almost, almost thought that she liked Ichigo and wondered if her life would be happier if she stayed with him in Karakura Town. The maids placed the traditional white hood over her hair.
It was strange how she never came to marry either of those men.
Instead, here she was about to marry the man whom she once thought was incapable of love, incapable of loving her. Rukia figured that was why she never dared to even dream of this day. Byakuya had always seemed so unreachable to her. But now... things were different. Yet, she still wondered if she was dreaming, that she would wake up the next day and find herself ready to go to work, her relationship with Byakuya as awkward and stiff as it used to be.
"Rukia-sama, are you ready? Byakuya-sama will be so happy to see you like this!"
"Y—Yeah..." Rukia rose from the chair, her maids accompanying her to the door.
Byakuya stood amongst the chattering crowd of his relatives and fellow Shinigami as they waited for the bride, his expensive silk fan in one hand.
It was so strange. For fifty-some years, he had been afraid that this day would come, that he would have Rukia marry him. He had gone through great pains to stifle anything that he had ever felt for her, even hurting her in the process. Yet... things were different.
Now, he treasured this moment, for he knew that he wasn't forcing Rukia to marry him when she didn't love him, that he wasn't confusing Rukia with Hisana. He was glad, glad that he had managed to settle his feelings of guilt and that he had a chance at happiness again. Happiness with Rukia.
"Yo, Byakuya, nervous?" Ichigo came to stand beside him.
"No." In fact, he was looking forward to this. Byakuya wondered what was going through the boy's mind right now, since the brat seemed more mellow than usual. Ichigo chuckled.
"I didn't think so. Then again, you're not the type to get jittery." Byakuya deigned not to answer and the boy stuffed his hands into the pockets of his kimono.
"You know, I thought that I would eventually have been in your position right now." Byakuya turned slightly to observe Ichigo. The other man had a wistful expression on his face. "I think you know that, don't you?" Byakuya inclined his head a little in acquiesce.
"Perhaps." Ichigo gave a short laugh, then grew serious.
"You'd better not make Rukia sad like what you used to do." The amber eyes fixed upon him, unwavering. "Remember, I'm letting you marry her." Byakuya almost scoffed.
"Really?" he asked, almost sardonically. "I am quite certain Rukia would marry me regardless of your approval." Ichigo grimaced.
"Always the same, aren't you, Byakuya?" He rubbed the back of his head and sighed. "But I'm being serious. I'll never let you off if you make Rukia sad, got that?"
"That is a given." Then Byakuya added, "I also don't want her to be unhappy." Ichigo nodded.
"I know you don't."
The noise from the crowd suddenly grew louder, distracting them and they turned around. Byakuya felt his heart stop beating, Ichigo completely forgotten.
Rukia was walking toward him, dressed in a splendid white bridal kimono, her raven black hair partially obscured by the traditional hood. Her face was painted white; her lips, red. As she came closer, almost nervously, Byakuya noticed, the bright, violet eyes fixed upon him. The plump, red lips were parted and she appeared to want to speak, but couldn't.
She... was so beautiful.
"Rukia..." he said softly, pulling himself together. It took all of his self-control to stop himself from just standing there, drinking in her pure image. He extended a hand to her and she slipped her little fingers into his grasp. Behind them, his relatives and important guests organized themselves into two lines behind them as according to custom. Although Byakuya heavily sensed that many of his relatives were disgruntled, they chose not to protest. Isshin, who had insisted to stand in as Rukia's father, said sadly, "My third daughter's all grown up and getting married!"
"Byakuya-sama, is everything ready?" the Kuchiki shrine's head priest asked and Byakuya nodded.
"We may proceed." He gave Rukia's hand one last subtle squeeze before letting go.
"Hai."
Rukia walked along stiffly beside Byakuya, hoping that her nervousness did not show. She wondered whether he could sense that she was scared. The real wedding was not like the rehearsals they had done at all.
Don't mess up. Don't mess up...
She saw the large, majestic shrine in front of them as they entered its courtyard. As they neared the shrine, there was a table equipped with writing accessories. What-
The wedding procession stopped momentarily at the table and Rukia saw Byakuya move to pick up a writing brush. He bent over the document laid out before him.
It was her adoption paper. The paper he and she had signed so that she was formally accepted as his adopted sister. Making her Kuchiki Rukia. Byakuya suddenly stopped and turned to her, their eyes meeting.
After this document is voided... I'll just be Rukia, the girl from Rukongai.
It felt so strange.
Rukia watched as he wrote "void" on the document and the servant bowed, picking up the paper. Byakuya returned to their side and the procession continued onward. The shrine was just a few steps away.
So who am I now... without the Kuchiki surname? Would I have come this far as a Shinigami... if Byakuya had not noticed me? They climbed the shrine's steps and entered the building. The guests seated themselves as she and Byakuya took their places at the center of the hall, facing a table with ceremonial items.
Would I even be standing here today... if I had stayed as just Rukia and not Kuchiki Rukia? She dumbly watched the priest and shrine maidens performing the marriage rites. Then the priest placed a tray of three small gilded cups on the table. All at once, previously forgotten nervousness slammed into Rukia like a ton of bricks as realization hit her.
She was getting married. Right now. With Byakuya. And all his relatives and their friends were watching them.
Oh god... oh god... oh god...
Rukia stole a peek at Byakuya and found that he was facing front, his back straight, not a hint of expression on his face. It didn't seem that he was scared in any way. He apparently sensed her staring at him and the gray eyes discreetly held her gaze before focusing on the cups. She watched as he was given one of the cups and the shrine maidens poured sake into it.
Sansankudo. She was supposed to do it, too. Rukia prayed that she wouldn't drop the cup in her nervousness.
Byakuya easily drank the sake and the cup was passed to her. She hoped that the shrine maidens couldn't see that her hands were trembling. Don't drop it... don't drop it... She raised the cup to her lips, downing the alcohol. The ritual was repeated with the remaining two cups and the wedding continued on.
Before she knew it, the wedding was over and they were being led out of the shrine. It all felt so... unreal. She heard the guests also begin flooding out of the building.
"Rukia." Byakuya was observing her intently.
"Yeah?"
"Was it as nightmarish as you had expected it to be?" Although his face was emotionless, Rukia detected that this was said with some amusement.
"Well, I was nervous." She looked down at her hands. "I'm not very good at these sorts of things..."
"You performed well," he answered. "I do not believe that anyone present other than me could tell you were afraid." Byakuya slipped her hands into his, tugging her closer to him.
"Really?" That was a relief and Rukia laughed a little. "I thought that people would notice." She gave a squeak when he unexpectedly bent, capturing her mouth with his.
"B—Byakuya, people will see us." A soft moan escaped her as his tongue twisted intimately around hers. "They've already come out of the shrine-" A sigh, then he pulled away, almost sadly. Rukia knew that he probably wanted to be alone with her.
"Are you happy, Rukia?" She turned to him at the question.
"Of course." She smiled and he gave a nod. Already, they saw several guests, including Ichigo, hurrying their way. Many of them were already shouting their well-wishes.
"I also am glad that we are now formally wed." Rukia looked up at Byakuya and saw that he was calmly observing the guests, many of whom were stampeding madly toward them. Before, she could respond, Hisagi sprinted to the front of the group, camera in hand.
"Congratulations, Kuchiki-taicho, Kuchiki-fukutaicho!" He beamed as he eagerly glanced at both of them. "Could you please let me publish a picture of you in the Seireitei Bulletin? It's our job to report important events in Soul Society and this wedding is definitely one of them!" Hisagi yelped as he was shoved out of the way by Matsumoto, who was also wielding a camera.
"Kuchiki-san! You have to let the Women's Association take pictures of you and Kuchik-taicho in wedding garb! Aren't you our friend?" Kiyone rushed up to her side.
"Yes, yes, Kuchiki-san! You also have to let me take a picture, too! Aren't I your favorite Third Seat, huh?" To which Sentaro yelled, "Kuchiki-san's favorite Third Seat is ME!"
"SHUT UP, SENTARO!" The two promptly began squabbling. Rukia nervously took a peek at Byakuya and instantly saw that he was not pleased.
"There need be only one photographer in addition to the Kuchiki Clan's own," he said stiffly. "More than one is... a hassle." The gray eyes moved to Hisagi.
"Hisagi Shuuhei, you may do the honors."
"Hai, Kuchiki-taicho!" Hisagi beamed proudly as he clutched his camera. "Where are we taking the picture again?"
"ALRIGHT, everyone, are you ready?" Hisagi called as he stood a few paces away from the group. He had set up his tripod and other photography equipment. The large sakura they stood beneath rained soft, pink petals down over them in a fragrant shower.
"Wait, I want to stand closer to Kuchiki-san!" Matsumoto cried, but Kiyone pushed her away.
"Don't try to get me farther away from, Kuchiki-san! Get your own spot!"
"Quit it! You're messing up my clothes!" Ichigo said angrily. "Can't you guys just stay put? You're already standing just under Rukia on this slope."
"Ladies, try to settle down a bit?" Hisagi protested. "You're ruining the scenery and I can't take the picture! We don't want to be here for forever!"
"Yes, I can't take the picture either if people will not stand still," said the elderly photographer from the Kuchiki Clan exasperatedly.
"Hai..."
"Okay... now is everyone ready?"
Byakuya watched the women settle down beside Rukia and mentally smiled. Rukia seemed to have endeared herself to everyone, even though some of those people professed their affection for her in very annoying ways. She was staring at the camera, a cute smile on her face, tensely waiting for Hisagi and the Kuchikis' photographer to take the pictures. He suspected that she was worried about whether she was standing properly for the picture.
"One..." the Kuchiki photographer announced, holding up one finger. Byakuya quickly tore his eyes away from Rukia. "Two... Three!" The cameras flashed several times. People instantly relaxed their positions as Hisagi and the Kuchiki photographer checked the screens on their cameras.
"Okay, they're good!"
"How about a funny one?" Hisagi asked enthusiastically, causing the Shinigamis to whoop loudly and the Kuchiki nobles to frown in distaste. Byakuya was about to open his mouth to shoot down the proposal, but-
"Yeah, let's do one!" Rukia exclaimed happily before she shrunk a little, noticing his gaze on her. She blushed, embarrassed, then hastily amended, "Err... no need-"
"We may take one," Byakuya cut in easily, causing several of his relatives to cry out in dismay and the Shinigami to cheer. Rukia stared at him in surprise and he looked back at her.
"Really?" she mouthed and he gave a nod. How could he deny her a simple picture when she was so excited? Her violet eyes lit up instantly and she grinned at him. Byakuya found himself itching to grab her hand and press a kiss to her forehead, despite it being indecorous to have such physical contact in official photos-
"Cut it out, Ichigo!" Rukia yelled when the boy slung his arm around her shoulders. "You're going to spoil my kimono!" She tried to punch him.
"Hey, if I don't do something, you'll just stand there like Byakuya and do nothing," Ichigo shot back. "I need to create some commotion here." Byakuya scowled. He would never stand for that brat touching Rukia in his own wedding picture-
"Come on, Rukia, you know you like it!" Renji started shaking Rukia from behind. "This is a funny picture, man!"
"Stop it, both of you!" Rukia yelped, trying to beat both of them at once, but failing. "You'll ruin the picture!"
Even his stupid lieutenant was touching Rukia? Byakuya couldn't take this.
"Abarai, Kurosaki Ichigo, release Rukia at once." He snaked an arm around Rukia's waist, pulling her to him, but the other two men wouldn't let go.
"Oh hell, I'm not!" Ichigo retorted, tugging Rukia back to his side. "It's just a freaking picture. Loosen up."
"I do not want to see you touching Rukia in the picture." Byakuya pulled her to him again, to which Renji grabbed her around the waist.
"But, Taicho, we're Rukia's friends! Let us have some fun in the picture with her!"
"No." Byakuya began prying Abarai's hands off Rukia.
"Renji! Ichigo! They'll be taking the picture soon, so cut it out-" Rukia squeaked loudly all of a sudden and Byakuya turned his attention to her, finding that her face was red. Before he could wonder why-
"Byakuya, stop being a stick in the mud!" Byakuya felt a vein pop in his forehead.
"Kurosaki Ichigo, mind your manners."
"Errr... please settle down everyone!" Hisagi said nervously from his place. "The picture will be blurry if everyone's moving. Please stay in your places."
"We'll be taking the picture now!" called the Kuchiki photographer, not wanting to wait for a fight to break out. Thankfully, Ichigo and Renji paused their antics and Byakuya moved back to his place, satisfied. "One... Two... Three!"
Ichigo and Renji instantly pounced onto Rukia and she gave out an unladylike yelp as they mussed up her hair. Byakuya's hand shot forward, about to snatch Rukia out of their grasps. The fools-
He heard the clicking of cameras. Oh no. The next second, he saw Hisagi and the Kuchiki photographer peering at their screens.
"Kuchiki-taicho, you're very... expressive in these pictures," Hisagi said hesitantly.
"Show them to me," Byakuya commanded. Hisagi and the other man hurried over to the group. Byakuya took Hisagi's camera and inspected the picture.
The group was a mess. Rukia's mouth was open in mid-scream, while Renji ruffled and pulled her bridal hood over her eyes. Ichigo had slung his arm around her shoulders again, elbowing Ishida, who stood beside him, in the face in his haste, knocking the bespectacled boy's glasses askew. Kiyone's mouth was also open as she yelled at Sentaro to stop blocking her. Byakuya also saw that many of the other Shingami were also caught falling or squabbling in the picture. Even worse, he saw that he had accidentally hit one of his shorter relatives as he tried to pull Rukia to him. His face was very expressive, too.
No, no, he couldn't let this picture circulate around Soul Society. It would be a disgrace to Rukia, the Kuchiki Clan, and himself.
"Delete them and we will retake another picture." Byakuya handed the camera back to Hisagi.
"Hai-"
"Byakuya, don't be a party-pooper!" Ichigo said, annoyed. "It's just a picture, not to mention it's supposed to be funny." Byakuya shut his eyes in exasperation.
"It is disgraceful."
"Well, Rukia likes it, since you didn't notice." Byakuya opened his eyes and looked down at Rukia. She was tidying her bridal hood, her face pink as she sheepishly refused to meet his gaze.
"Is that true?" he asked softly.
"N—No... we should just take another picture," she answered evasively. "I—I mean, it does look bad-"
"Hisagi Shuuhei, delete your copies." Hisagi sighed, disappointed at losing a great photo for Seireitei's newspaper. Byakuya turned to the Kuchiki photographer. "You, however, may keep your version of the picture, but do not circulate it outside of the Kuchiki Clan. We will take another one now."
"But, Byakuya-sama!" one of the nobles protested. "Such a picture should not exist! It is too embarrassing-"
"You are concerned about the public seeing this picture, yet I have already ensured that no one but us will view the photograph." Byakuya almost sighed in annoyance. "Hisagi Shuuhei has already deleted his copy, so it is needless to be bothered."
"O—Oh... Hai, Byakuya-sama." Byakuya shifted himself between Rukia and Ichigo, causing the latter to groan loudly. He was not about to have a repeat of the first picture happen again.
"Now, let us retake the picture."
Rukia stood still as her maids dressed her in her kimono she would wear for the dinner banquet. She flushed as she thought of the wedding ceremony and subsequent picture taking.
It was so difficult to believe that she was now officially married to Byakuya. It still didn't seem real. Yet, she had performed the ceremony (thankfully without too many slip-ups) and here she was, being dressed for the dinner banquet. Rukia tentatively touched the ring on her fourth finger.
She knew that Byakuya wasn't at all happy with taking funny pictures, even though the final, second take was less chaotic. But he had not protested a good deal... because of her. Rukia had never thought that he would yield so much, even compromising his dignity (if only a little), because she wanted to take silly pictures. She felt bad.
Yet, the first picture clearly revealed a different, possessive, even jealous side of Byakuya that he often tried to suppress. Rukia smiled as she remembered him tussling with Ichigo and Renji as the picture was taken. Which currently brought her to her current predicament.
Recently, Rukia discovered that Byakuya's touch was causing her to feel uncomfortable and strange, more so than usual. If she was honest with herself, it was causing her to feel hot. Unbearably hot. She didn't know why a simple touch from him was setting off these sensations; usually she only felt this way when he was kissing her.
She didn't know what to do. The last thing Rukia wanted was for Byakuya to think she was a pervert, an embarrassment to him because she was starting to feel like this at any contact from him. Like what had happened as he struggled with Ichigo and Renji earlier.
Although he was preoccupied with removing Ichigo and Renji's hands from her person, Byakuya had also accidentally touched and brushed himself against her. Rukia felt her face redden as she recalled his hand sliding over her small bosom in a desperate effort to rid her of Ichigo's arm. Her mind instantly flew down a raunchy path. Her eyes widened and she shook herself.
I have to stop thinking like this... he hadn't even meant to do that. Why am I thinking this way?
She couldn't be like this. It was understandable for Byakuya to be lustful, but her? Rukia didn't think that the bride of someone like him should be thinking like this. She was supposed to behave like a noble lady and noble ladies did not think-
"Rukia-sama, are you alright?" one of her maids asked. "Do you not like your kimono?"
"N—No, no! Everything's fine. I was just thinking... of things..." Rukia tried to stop the blood from rushing to her face, but failed. She hoped that her maids would never find out what she had been thinking about.
"Are you still nervous, Rukia-sama?" the maid smiled. "It's only dinner and Byakuya-sama will love to see you in this. You look perfect."
"Thank you..."
"You only have to survive dinner, then you'll finally be alone with Byakuya-sama-" Unable to help herself, Rukia choked at hearing her maid's statement.
"Rukia-sama, are you really okay?'
"Yeah! Yeah! Just choked on my saliva." Why did her innocent maid have to talk about spending the night with Byakuya? It was making her feel even more embarrassed and nervous.
"Alright, now you're ready." Her maids turned her to face the mirror, but Rukia was too distracted to fully take in her reflection. All she knew was that she was wearing a red silk kimono with a platinum ornament in her hair. "You are so pretty, Rukia-sama!"
"Thank you."
"Even your underwear is beautiful, too! You have wonderful taste, Rukia-sama. Byakuya-sama will be in for-"
"A—AH! I think I'd better leave for the banquet now. I—I don't want to be late." Rukia quickly shuffled away from her maids before they could talk more about her lingerie. She found that this kimono hampered her movements a good deal, more than the usual kimono, due to its slightly dragging train and stiff obi sash.
Even though she was mainly wearing the underwear the Women's Association had given her to appease her frantic friends, a small part of Rukia also wanted to impress Byakuya that night. Maybe the pretty undergarments would even distract from her small chest. Hence after some deliberation, she selected a lacy white and blue set of underwear. Still too skimpy for the likes of her, but it was still better than some of the other sets. Rukia sighed as she shuffled to the banquet room.
She didn't know why she was acting like this. She never really cared about what Ichigo or Renji (or anyone) thought of her dressing. She had been offended when they unceremoniously told her that she had a flat bosom, but she didn't care about what they thought. But now she found herself caring a lot about Byakuya's impression of her. Especially on their first night together as a married couple. All this was new to Rukia.
She didn't want Byakuya to know she was starting to feel this way. It would be so embarrassing.
"Are you serious?" Ichigo said incredulously as he stared at the giant ice sculptures gracing the entryway to the banquet room. A noble overheard him and shot him a dirty look.
"These ice sculptures were painstakingly hand carved over the course of a week, might I say," the noble said. "You should not criticize them."
"But the Seaweed Ambassador and Chappy? How much more random can you get?" The noble frowned at him then swept away. Ichigo noticed Renji, who had stopped beside him to gawk at the statues.
"I heard Taicho had the best sculptor in Seireitei make ice statues for the wedding reception," Renji said flatly. "I didn't know then that it would be... this."
"Well, who would?" Ichigo returned to staring at the smiling Seaweed Ambassador and Chappy as the two sculptures held hands. "Then again, somehow I'm not surprised..."
"Is there a problem?" an icy voice spoke from behind them and they turned around.
"Oh, we're just looking at the sculptures, Taicho!" Byakuya nodded as he too stepped forward to admire the statues.
"This work took a week to reach its current perfection," he stated, his observant eyes flicking over the Seaweed Ambassador and Chappy. "I am satisfied that it has matched my expectations." Byakuya saw that Ichigo and Renji were staring at him bewilderedly and he shut eyes. Truly these two men did not know how to appreciate art. It was pitiful.
Rukia was due to arrive any moment now, since they were to receive the guests at the reception before the banquet.
"So, Byakuya, are you going on a honeymoon with Rukia after this?" Ichigo asked suddenly.
"I believe both Rukia and I will be returning to our regular work after this." Byakuya looked at Ichigo from the corner of his eye, watching the boy stare at him. "We are both very busy and have work to complete."
"B—But, Taicho! You and Rukia should take off, even for a few days! Rukia will want to spend some time with you!" Renji said in dismay.
Byakuya almost sighed at his lieutenant, knowing what the man was trying to do. Renji was trying to have him away from the office for a few days so that he could relax more. He deigned not to answer him. They heard female chattering and turned to the door.
Rukia, being escorted by her maids, was stepping through the door. A red silk kimono with a dragging train graced her petite figure, the rich fabric adorned with embroidered pink blossoms of a sakura tree and whitish mist. A deep blue obi was tied about her waist, something Byakuya suspected Rukia did not like as it hampered her movement. In her hair a cluster of intricate, platinum snowflakes was woven, dainty strands of sapphires swinging to and fro as she approached them.
Byakuya really didn't know how Rukia had managed to take away his breath, not once, but twice in a single day. And he knew that both Ichigo and Renji were feeling the same way as he was, since they both were incredibly silent. All he could do was drink in her beautiful image as she shuffled quickly toward him.
The next moment, Rukia gave a loud yelp as she tripped over the dragging hem of her kimono, her hands flailing in the air. Before her maids as well as Ichigo and Renji could move, Byakuya stopped her fall.
"Are you alright?" he asked, helping her stand.
"Y—Yeah! I was just walking too fast. I thought I was late because I saw some of the guests coming." Rukia straightened herself and stared into his eyes. All at once, a deep flush spread over her face and she stared at the floor. Byakuya found himself drawn to that and his hand slid down to grasp her fingers lightly.
"Let us welcome the guests, Rukia."
"Hai..."
Rukia knelt beside Byakuya at their table and watched the guests busily chatting and eating. After a brief welcome from Byakuya, the many dishes were served and dinner began without much consequence. Guests who had a closer relationship to her and Byakuya or had a high rank in Soul Society sat closer to their table, which was at the center of the head of the banquet room. She waved at Ichigo and Renji who sat two tables away from them. Then she turned her attention to Byakuya as she ate her food, who was now speaking to one of his relatives about something she knew not of. For the first time that day and because she was sitting down, she finally was able to observe him without worrying about whether she was performing according to propriety.
The haori he wore was crafted from fine dark blue, almost black, silk, the Kuchiki family crest embroidered on it with gold thread. Rukia's eyes traveled to his inner robe and hakama pants, both of which were of a light gray color. Although his garments were simple, it was very clear to her that they were extremely expensive and tailored to fit him to the tee. They accentuated his slim, but toned figure and she found her eyes beginning to rove to places she shouldn't be staring at. Rukia hurriedly tore her eyes away from his body and focused on his face instead.
Byakuya had worn his kenseikan as he usually did, his black hair falling over his eyes as he spoke with the noble. He appeared somewhat bored, but she could not tell, as his face was aloof, his expression cold as it normally was. His eyes were slightly lidded, their long lashes framing the piercing slate gray irises. In fact, his eyes were a shade darker than the color of his kimono...
Rukia's gaze traveled to his mouth, which was turned down almost haughtily as he listened to his relative. She remembered how those lips felt as they kissed her after the wedding ceremony was over. Unbeknownst to her, scarlet tinted her cheeks at the memory. Her eyes traveled down to his neck and his collarbones, which the neckline of his kimono had failed to completely cover. His skin looked really fair and smooth, the faint, fresh sakura scent which lingered about him drifting to her nose. Then she smelled another smell, one which she had not noticed previously, but was always there.
Clean, masculine skin.
All of a sudden, Rukia was hit with the urge to touch that pale skin, to feel its warmth beneath her fingers. Byakuya seemed so tempting, kneeling on his cushion, his broad back straight and unyielding. Her eyes drifted down to his long hands, which were resting properly in his lap. Those very hands that caressed her face and held her tightly to him. Hands which had slid over her chest as he pried Ichigo's hands off her. Rukia really, really wanted to feel those sensation again and more-
"Rukia." Byakuya's voice abruptly brought her out of her fantasies and back to the banquet room.
"Huh?" she asked, staring at him stupidly for a second, frowning. What-
"Is something the matter?" He was contemplating her intently and Rukia realized that the relative he was speaking to had left. In fact, it seemed the man had gone for some time, which meant...
She had been ogling Byakuya in front of all the guests for who knew how long. And he hadn't done a single thing to stop her until now.
Blood rushed to Rukia's face and she averted her face from him. It was so humiliating. She did not know what to do with herself. How could she behave so disgracefully in public? Worse still were the thoughts which had occupied her mind as she admired him. Please, please... don't let the guests notice what I've been doing-
"You have not answered my question... Rukia." Beneath the table, his fingers closed around her hand, his thumb slipping beneath her palm. "Is something the matter?"
"N—No... nothing's the matter..."
"Is that so?" Byakuya's face was impassive, yet as she looked into his eyes, she saw something simmering beneath that apathetic mask. Concealed by the table, his thumb began to slowly massage her palm.
Unable to help herself, Rukia trembled, heat and a tingling sensation spreading through her like a flame. His touch was so gentle, so sinuous as his thumb's kneading became more and more sensual-
A moan escaped Rukia's mouth and Byakuya immediately stopped his ministrations, his eyes widening for a brief moment.
Horror engulfed Rukia as she knelt on her cushion. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that some guests had turned their way, including Ichigo and Renji. Oh no.
She had moaned in front of all the guests. Out loud.
Oh god-
"Are you alright?" Byakuya asked, his voice loud enough for the guests to hear. "Where are you hurt?" People, now thinking that she had probably hit herself on the table, peered worriedly at them.
"O—Oh... I'm alright. It's nothing..." Rukia stared into her lap, her cheeks burning. She felt awful that she nearly disgraced him and herself in front of all their guests. He had to save her. Again.
"Are you certain?"
"Yeah... D—Don't worry about it." He gave a nod and returned to eating his food. The guests relaxed and also resumed their dinner. Rukia picked up her chopsticks and began to dine on her delicious meal, still shaken what had just occurred. She discreetly snuck a glance at Byakuya.
He was eating as if nothing was the matter. That was good, since Rukia knew that he would have to make a brief speech, being the last of several speakers who would begin their speeches toward the end of the dinner. Byakuya couldn't be rattled by what she had done, not that he would be. He was seldom affected by anything, no matter how unexpected it might be.
But as she continued to quietly look at him, Rukia could not prevent herself from staring at his throat, how it moved as he swallowed his food. How he parted his fine lips as he placed rice into his mouth. How his slim fingers maneuvered the expensive pair of chopsticks with such skill. She wondered if those fingers would be as skillful if they had been touching her, instead of the chopsticks-
Rukia's eyes widened and focused back on her food, her hand shaking as she help her chopsticks. What was wrong with her? Why was she thinking about these kinds of things? And of all times it had to be now, in public.
I can't do this anymore. I have to get out.
She needed to take a breath of fresh air to clear away her humiliating thoughts. If she didn't, Rukia did not know what else she would unconsciously do to Byakuya in front of their guests. She looked about her, searching for an exit that would not be too obvious when she left the room. There was one behind them along the right wall.
"Byakuya?" The cool gray eyes fixed upon her. Those beautiful gray eyes...
"Rukia."
"I—I think I'm going to the bathroom." She flushed, determinedly refusing to make eye contact with him, and rose from the table.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his tone low, and she nodded vigorously.
"Yeah! Don't worry about me!" Her cheeks pink, she stuck a smile on her face. Rukia shuffled to the sliding door and pushed it open, making her escape into the hallway.
Byakuya chewed his food, his thoughts traveling to his new wife who had just excused herself to use the restroom.
Was she really alright? She was extremely red in the face, was she feeling ill? Was she embarrassed because of what he had done to her, even though none of the guests were aware of his actions beneath the table?
He had been squashing his desires the whole day, but apparently he couldn't help himself from stroking her hand when he caught her staring at him. Byakuya mentally sighed. He wasn't certain whether Rukia was fully prepared for their first night together. He hoped she was because his grip on his lust was starting to slip, despite his efforts to keep it under control. He really did not know how much longer he could wait.
Rukia was probably feeling very embarrassed right now and it was his fault. He should not have done that in public. That was probably why she had gone to hide herself away in the bathroom. He needed to find her and check to see if she was faring well. Byakuya placed his chopsticks on their rest and stood up from the table.
He slipped out of the sliding door and closed it softly behind him.
Rukia stood with her back against the door, her eyes closed. She had escaped into the adjacent banquet room which was empty and silent, the moonlight shining through the paper doors across from her, illuminating the cool hall in a dim, silvery light. Outside, she could not hear the loud noises of servants and guests in the neighboring room, as the wall between the two halls was soundproof. She sighed out loud.
She felt more relaxed now, as Byakuya was not in her line of sight. If she stayed here for awhile longer, she probably could pull herself together and return to dinner-
Rukia jumped up when the door beside her flew open. She whirled around and came face to face with Byakuya.
Oh no. Oh no, no, no.
Why did Byakuya have to come out now? Why didn't he stay and eat his dinner? How was she going to-
"Rukia." He stepped closer to her, the difference in their heights becoming even clearer to Rukia. "What is the matter?"
"B—Byakuya, nothing's wrong... I'm just taking a rest from the food I ate."
"Do not lie to me. You barely ate." He was so close to her now. In the cool, tranquil room, she could feel the heat from his body radiating to her. She gulped and took a step away from him.
"Have I made you... uncomfortable?" Byakuya asked. "If so, I apologize."
"N—No! No, it's not like that at all! I liked-" Rukia closed her mouth before she could complete her sentence. No, no, telling him that she relished the feeling of his thumb massaging her palm wouldn't help her current situation. She hoped he wouldn't guess what she wanted to say-
"You liked it?" He studied her placidly, the intelligent eyes piercing into her, as he came closer. "Then why are you here?" His intoxicating scent was filling her senses.
"I—It's nothing..." Rukia said, her face red. She started to shuffle as fast as she could to the door. "I'm fine now, so let's go back- AHH!" In her haste, she felt herself falling forward, the length of her kimono having tripped her.
She never felt the tatami-matted floor impact her face. Byakuya had stepped in front of her, stopping her fall. He snaked an arm securely around her waist, preventing her from running away.
"We are not leaving this room until you tell me what is the matter." Yet, Rukia did not hear this, so flustered was she.
She could feel the entire length of his hard body intimately pressed against her, her nose an inch away from his chest. His very scent that had distracted her during dinner was everywhere, enveloping her, caressing her.
"Rukia." Byakuya slipped a finger beneath her chin, tilting her head so that she looked right into his eyes. "I'm waiting. Don't be afraid." The baritone timbre of his voice sent chills down her spine.
"I... I... I..." Rukia's eyes fell helplessly to his lips, then down his elegant neck and collarbones, then back to his mouth.
She couldn't do this anymore.
She tentatively raised her hand, her fingers grazing over his collarbones. He stood still as she ran her fingers up the column of his neck, up to his face, feeling the angular structure of his jaw. She felt her own desire for him growing as her hand touched more of his skin. But somehow, she could not stop herself. Her hand traveled back down, sliding beneath the collar of his robes, feeling the strong contours of his shoulder before moving down over the solid planes of his chest. Then, Rukia froze, her hand still in Byakuya's clothes, realization of what she had been doing all by herself dawning on her.
"O—Oh no! B—Byakuya... I'm so, so sorry!" She tried to remove her hand from inside his clothes when he stopped her and she stared at him in surprise. What-
"I believe I understand the issue at hand," he stated. Rukia's eyes widened and her face burned. She should have known that Byakuya would have guessed it. How was she going to survive the embarrassment now?
"Fortunately, it is something that is rather easy to solve." She frowned. Perhaps he was thinking something else. Rukia did not know how having dirty thoughts about him during dinner was easy to solve-
"After all, do we not have the same problem?" The gray eyes lifted to hers. For a minute, she was confused.
"What-" Her breath hitched when Byakuya captured her mouth with his. All her questions vanished as his tongue began to stroke her lips with mind-numbing sensuality. Not thinking, she parted her lips, allowing him to plunder her mouth. A moan escaped her and her hands fisted against his chest.
Byakuya had never kissed her in such an erotic way before. This... This was too much for Rukia to bear. She whimpered as their bodies crushed against each other, their hands starting to explore. The next instant, she felt her back hit the tatami mats as they fell together entwined.
"B—Byakuya..." Rukia moaned against his mouth. "We... A—Aren't we supposed to do this tonight?"
"Perhaps." Byakuya broke the kiss and they panted. "However, it appears both of us can no longer wait." Before she could reply, he was kissing her again.
She reached for his haori and pushed it off his shoulders, the fabric crumpling to the ground.
Rukia's moans and whimpers were fueling his desire until it was unbearable.
I need to have more.
Byakuya reached for her obi, untying it as fast as he could. Pulling the sash off her, he undid the knots holding her elaborate kimono together. He sensed that she was doing the same to him, untucking the top of his kimono from his hakama pants. Finally, he untied the last knot and opened Rukia's robes.
She was so beautiful. Her cheeks flushed, hair ruffled, she lay before him, dressed in a set of lacy white undergarments. Her small bosom was still heaving from their exertions, her head tilted to the side as she refused to meet his eyes. Her skin looked so soft, its milky complexion gleaming under the dim moonlight.
"S—Stop staring..." she mumbled, drawing her arms around her chest. "It's embarrassing a—and there isn't much to see."
"On the contrary, there is." Byakuya reached out a hand, touching the little ethereal woman beneath him. He could feel her tremble and stiffen as he slipped his fingers over her stomach. She squeaked when his hand slid over her bosom.
"Hush, I won't hurt you."
"I know you won't." Rukia smiled at him and he felt her relax. His fingers played with the light blue bow hanging daintily from her bra.
"Did you pick this?" Byakuya asked thoughtfully, his hand still exploring.
"Y—Yeah... I did..." Rukia flushed and she glanced away from him.
"And why is that?" She squeezed her eyes close, her face becoming redder.
"I... wanted to look nice. For you," she admitted sheepishly, hugging herself self-consciously. "I—I mean... I know I'm not gifted in the chest department, so-"
"You are perfect," Byakuya said. "Beauty is not so shallow." He bent, pressing a kiss to her bosom.
"I believe you are beautiful regardless of such trivial factors." His hand slipped behind her, undoing her bra strap, and he removed the small article of clothing, discarding it to the side. His eyes roved over Rukia, admiring her.
"And I am correct."
Byakuya pressed his lips to her mouth, gently this time. His hands slid to her chest, massaging her until she moaned in pleasure at his dexterous touch.
He thinks I'm beautiful...
Happiness washed through Rukia. She had been worried that Byakuya wouldn't think highly of what she felt was her underdeveloped body. Yet, he had not only said that she was beautiful, but also perfect.
He still thinks I'm perfect... even though I am not as strong as he is.
However, Rukia found her mind drawn away from her thoughts as she whimpered, Byakuya's tongue having flicked out, licking her stomach. As she wrapped around him, she jostled his kimono, the already untied top falling to the floor. She gripped his back, feeling his smooth skin beneath her hands. As his teeth nipped her, his fingers traveled down, sliding over her leg and thigh. Slowly, he drew his hand up to her underwear.
"B—Byakuya!" Rukia cried out as his long, sinful fingers began stroking her in a place no one had touched her before. The new sensations flooded through her and she writhed in pleasure, her moans echoing through the empty room.
She ran her hands over his chest and stomach, digging her fingers into his chiseled muscles. Byakuya groaned and he seized up her mouth again, his fingers ridding her of her last article of clothing. She slid her fingers into his soft hair, dislodging the kenseikan from the silky strands. Rukia's hands fumbled with the sash holding up his pants and he helped her, guiding her shaking hands to undo the knots. He slipped out of his hakama pants and they worked on untying his underwear. He easily discarded the white garment and Rukia was slammed with realization.
Byakuya was completely naked. And he was right above her. And she was as equally undressed as he was.
Her face burned and her heart began thumping so loudly she wondered if he could hear it. She didn't know where to look and her eyes darted about the room in embarrassment.
"Rukia." His voice was so gentle and he cupped her cheek in his warm hand. "Look at me. It's alright." Rukia turned her gaze to him. His pale skin was illuminated in the moonlight, highlighting the contours of his body. Slowly, he reached into her hair, removing the snowflake pin from her locks. She flushed even redder.
She shouldn't be like this. She liked to read romance novels, didn't she? Although she skipped the very graphic parts, she had some idea of what they were about to do. She shouldn't be scared. If she remembered enough of what she read, she wouldn't ruin it for Byakuya-
"Do not use your novels as a guideline, Rukia," he said, almost as if he had read her mind. He sat up straighter and she saw more of him. "I think that I will prove to be a far more... satisfying experience." Rukia nodded and closed her eyes tightly, preparing herself for the pain.
Instead, she was surprised when he languidly stretched himself out over her and she felt his smooth, bare skin contact hers. Byakuya angled her head toward him and kissed her deeply, his tongue twisting around hers. Rukia felt her apprehension disappearing as lust consumed her and his kiss grew more passionate, more desperate as they moaned and writhed together upon the floor. His hips urgently crushed against her, his hands roaming over her small body, his raging lust clearly evident. She felt her back arching into him, her hands sliding over his back and chest as she listened to him gasp and tremble in pleasure.
"R—Rukia... are you ready?" Byakuya's voice was ragged, despite him attempting to keep it calm and even. Rukia managed to nod as she panted, desire fogging the usual brightness of her violet eyes.
She let out a scream as he ground himself into her, their bodies heaving at the torrent of pleasure which consumed them. Her fingers scratched at his back as he slammed her repeatedly against the tatami mats. They writhed and cried in union, sweat streaming down their skin.
Rukia's legs wrapped around his waist as they bucked together as one, the pure ecstasy almost too much to bear. Byakuya hadn't felt such thorough pleasure in so many years. He thrust himself harder against her as his hands massaged her in her most private places, her delicious cries driving him over the edge.
"Byakuya!" Rukia threw back her head, a cry escaping her as they hit their peaks, her fingers digging into his back, pulling him even nearer to her until their bodies were melded into one. They kissed hungrily as their hands feeling each other as neither had ever done before.
At last, Byakuya shifted himself off her and they collapsed together on the floor, the haze around them fading, their breathing uneven. Lying beside Rukia, he gazed into her eyes, trying to bring himself back to his usual, collected self. As he observed her, a furious blush sprung into her cheeks. Before she could turn away from him, he snagged Rukia's fingers with his.
"I believe the problem is solved?" Byakuya asked, now having managed to control himself enough to appear unfazed, although his heart was still beating rapidly.
"Hai..." She seemed very embarrassed and her big eyes shifted to their hands.
"Are you... alright?" He hoped that he hadn't been too violent. It was her first time after all, so he had controlled himself more. He did not want to hurt her. Thankfully, Rukia nodded, her fingers tightening around his, and she smiled.
"Yeah... I'm fine." He gave a nod.
"I am quite certain that our performance just earlier trumped your romance novels." Byakuya focused his lidded gaze on her. "Is that not correct?" Rukia grinned a little, her face becoming even pinker.
"Yes, it did." He pulled her against him and nuzzled his face into her hair. It felt so wonderful to be like this, knowing that Rukia was here, safe and healthy beside him.
All at once, she sprang out of his embrace, her eyes wide. "Byakuya, won't dinner be almost over soon? We have to listen to the speeches!" It took a second for Byakuya to register this, before he scrambled up.
How could he have forgotten something so important? They both had to be there, especially him, when the speeches started. It would be disgraceful to the Kuchiki Clan if they weren't there to listen to the speakers. He promptly began picking up their discarded clothing. Handing Rukia's clothes to her, he caught a brief glimpse of her back.
"The black veins have not disappeared?" he asked as Rukia wore her underwear.
"No, but I think they're going away slowly. And they don't hurt me either, so it's fine." Byakuya nodded as he speedily dressed himself. He would have to ask the Fourth Division if they could remove the scars from her back.
As he tucked the top of his kimono into his pants, Byakuya saw Rukia also tying her obi, but her kimonos were crooked. He strode over to help her tidy her clothes.
"Byakuya, don't worry about me. I can fix it myself," Rukia said quickly when he bent to straighten her kimonos.
"It is difficult for you to see that your clothes are crooked." Then he added as an afterthought, "We cannot afford to embarrass the Kuchiki Clan." Rukia nodded.
"Hai." As he finished helping her, he saw that she was frowning, fumbling with her hair.
"I don't know how they put this on," she muttered in frustration. "I haven't worn this type of pin before..." Before she could protest, Byakuya took the snowflake ornament from her and proceeded to weave it into her locks.
"B—Byakuya, you should just go first. It's more important for you to be there than me."
"We should be there together. Is this not our wedding?" Rukia was silent as he finished weaving her hair into the pin. Byakuya surveyed his work, then picked up his haori.
"Byakuya, let me wear it for you!" She grabbed onto its sleeve, her eyes resolute. "You can just focus on wearing the kenseikan, so we save time." He nodded, allowing her to dress him.
She is too cute.
As he wove his hair into the kenseikan, Byakuya observed Rukia as she tied the front of his haori together, her delicate eyebrows scrunched together in concentration.
"Remember that we are not finished here." Her head shot up to stare at him in confusion. "We still have tonight." Her eyes widened as she understood what he was referring to and her face turned crimson.
"O—OH! I think we'd better be heading to the dinner now!" The deep blush still on her face, Rukia shuffled to the door, sliding it open. As he followed her, a small smile tilted up the corners of Byakuya's lips.
As they walked down the hallway, he noticed the Kuchiki Cleric standing outside the banquet room, the loud chattering from the guests drifting into their ears. He motioned the elderly man to come closer.
"Send servants to quietly clean the mats in the adjacent banquet room. Make certain that they do not spread word about what has happened there to anyone." The Cleric paused, then a knowing smile spread over his face as he bowed.
"Hai, Byakuya-sama." The Cleric promptly departed, searching for servants to carry out his master's orders.
Byakuya approached Rukia, who stood waiting by the closed shoji door to the banquet room. He stopped suddenly, sensing someone was watching them, and turned around. He caught sight of what seemed to be a lion plushie running out of the room they had just been in and down the hallway. What on earth...
"Byakuya?" Rukia came to stand beside him, peering in the direction he was staring at. "What's wrong? Did you see something?"
"There was a moving toy running down the hallway," he stated confusedly, looking down the now-empty hallway. Rukia frowned, then gasped.
"That must be Kon!" she said. "Ichigo must have brought him along accidentally."
"Kon?"
"Yes, Kon's a Modsoul. I think you saw him once when we were staying at Ichigo's house." Byakuya nodded, recalling an irritating voice occasionally coming from Ichigo's bedroom. In fact, he had once caught a glimpse of the Modsoul in his plush body.
"Let us enter now."
"Hai, Byakuya."
Rukia knelt on her cushion as she listened to Byakuya make his brief speech. Luckily, they had arrived just before the first speaker began talking.
In truth, her whole body was feeling painfully sore from their vigorous activities, but she did not want Byakuya to know since they were running late. She had not thought that her escaping would have ended up like this. She gazed at Byakuya as he spoke, her cheeks pink as she recalled what they had done together just in the next door room.
He was talking easily in his regular curt and cold manner, his clothes and hair perfectly arranged. Looking at him now, Rukia almost could not believe that he had been so intimate, so seducing, so gentle with her only several minutes ago. She was quite certain that her hair was still a little messy, even though he had helped her to tidy it. She listened to his even, deep voice as he addressed the guests, remembering how that same voice called out her name with such urgency.
After her intimate experience with him, Rukia concluded that Byakuya was talented at virtually everything he did, even base things. The way he kissed her, touched her.. everything he had done to her had increased her desire until she thought she would go mad if she did not have him then. And so she became his, completely.
And he was not upset that she had been lusting after him either. In fact, it appeared that he was satisfied. Rukia blushed harder, reliving those moments of pure ecstasy in her mind. Then, she realized that Byakuya was staring directly at her as he spoke and their eyes met. What? Why-
"I will close by thanking everyone who has made this wedding possible," he stated. The misty gray eyes pierced into her.
"I would also like to say a woman who is not only stellar in character, but also perfect in body and spirit is rare to come by. I am extremely fortunate to wed such a woman." Rukia's eyes widened, her mouth falling open helplessly.
Did he... just say those things about her? In front of everyone here? In front of his clan members?
Did he just say that he was... so fortunate to marry her? She was so touched, so touched that her heart tightened as she gazed back at him, unable to say a single word.
Byakuya...
Applause broke out from the guests as Byakuya returned to his seat beside her. Rukia continued to stare at him observing him as he knelt beside her again. He looked at her from the corner of his eye and she saw that although his face was impassive, his eyes were warm. She beamed at him.
I'm also really fortunate... to marry you.
Byakuya and Rukia stood in the entryway, bidding the final few guests goodbye.
"Have fun, Kuchiki-san! Make sure you tell us everything that you'll do with Kuchiki-taicho tonight!" Matsumoto called boisterously as Nanao dragged her away.
Rukia laughed awkwardly as she waved. She was not about to do that and embarrass herself more. Not to mention Byakuya would hate it if she broadcasted their bedroom escapades to the public. She sensed that Byakuya was watching her, probably trying to guess whether she would be that indiscreet.
"Don't worry, Byakuya. I won't tell them what we do," she whispered and he afforded her a nod.
"See you, Rukia." Ichigo smiled as he headed out the door with Renji. "Wish you both happiness."
"Same here." Renji grinned at her, trying to ruffle her hair, but Rukia swatted his hand away.
"Thanks, Ichigo." She glared at Renji. "And Renji."
"Abarai," Byakuya suddenly spoke. "Report in to work early. I have work to assign you." Renji gaped, his squabble with Rukia forgotten.
"WHAT? T—Taicho... but it's the day after your wedding..." Byakuya stared coolly at him.
"And what does my wedding have to do with your workload?" he asked calmly. Rukia giggled at Renji's face, which had dismay written all over it.
"Looks like you're out of luck, Renji." Ichigo clapped him on the back. "Didn't think that Byakuya would let you off so easily anyway." Before Renji could retort, Rukia yelped loudly as Isshin flung his arms around her.
"MY THIRD DAUGHTER'S ALL GROWN UP AND MARRIED!" He sobbed loudly, tears streaming down his face. "Don't get distracted by your handsome husband and forget your Daddy, okay?"
"Of course I won't forget you, Uncle." Rukia struggled in the man's tight embrace, but she smiled as she looked at Ichigo and Renji, as well as Orihime, Ishida, and Chad who had just come out of the banquet room. "I won't forget any of you."
"Kuchiki-san... I'm so happy for you." Orihime also threw her arms around her, tears starting to roll down her cheeks. "I hope that you and Kuchiki-taicho will be very, very happy."
"Thank you... Inoue."
"Seriously, why's everyone acting as if Rukia's leaving or something?" Ichigo broke in exasperatedly. "She's just getting married, people."
"Yeah!" Rukia nodded, patting the backs of both Isshin and Orihime. "I'm not going anywhere, so don't cry!" Orihime nodded and straightened, wiping tears from her eyes.
"Ohhhh... my third daughter's such a big girl now!" Isshin also released her after one last hug. He grinned devilishly. "Well, well, we should get going now. You and Byakuya probably are dying to get down and dirty-" He was rewarded with a smack across the head from his son.
"DAD! How can you even say these things?"
"Kurosaki Isshin," Byakuya interrupted frostily, a dangerous gleam in his eye. The older man instantly backed down. Rukia felt her face redden, knowing that none of her friends knew that she and Byakuya had already done the very thing Isshin was teasing them about, while everyone had been eating, too.
"Okay. I think we'd better get going," Ichigo said awkwardly, shooting a glare at his overly-joyful father. He smiled at Rukia. "We'll see you around, Rukia, Byakuya."
"See you, Ichigo."
"Bye, Kuchiki-san!"
"Bye!"
As their friends departed along with the remaining guests, Byakuya gently reached out to take Rukia's hand in his. Although she tried her hardest not to blush, she felt heat still spring into her cheeks at feeling his touch.
"Byakuya, I-"
"Byakuya-sama!" Her maids approached them and bowed. "We apologize, but we must ready Rukia-sama for tonight first.." Byakuya frowned, then closed his eyes.
"Very well." He turned to her and said softly, "I will see you soon in the bridal chamber."
"Y—Yeah..." was all Rukia managed to say and he gave her hand a subtle squeeze. With that, he moved away from her and took his leave. She found herself missing the warmth of his hand as her maids led her away.
"ICHIGOOOOO!" wailed an annoyingly loud voice. Ichigo turned around and something soft immediately hurled itself into his face with a squeak.
"K—KON?" He pried the lion plushie off his person.
"I thought you said you left him at home, Ichigo?" Renji asked flatly. "Why's this little thing here?"
"Didn't Kuchiki-taicho not invite him?" Ishida put in, pushing his glasses a little higher up on his nose.
"Ichigooo..." Kon wept and clung to Ichigo's hakama pants. "Why... why had Nee-san left me?"
"She was never with you in the first place," Ichigo retorted flatly. "And how did you sneak in here? Actually, how did you even get here in the first place?"
"I crawled into your bag when you weren't looking." Kon sobbed, burying his face deeper into the fabric. "But... BUT NEE-SAN... HOW COULD NEE-SAN DO THAT?"
"Dude, shut up. People are looking at us!" Kon ignored Ichigo and continued to cry pitifully. Then-
"NEE-SAN, WHY HAVE YOU LET KUCHIKI-TAICHO HAVE YOU INSTEAD OF MEEE?"
Instantly, all the guests who had not yet left whirled around and stared at them. Ichigo held a hand over Kon's plush mouth.
"Will shut up!" he hissed. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"Yeah, Rukia hasn't done anything with Kuchiki-taicho yet, so quit talking!" Renji said, his mood foul.
"She has!" Kon whimpered as he struggled to free his mouth. "I—I saw them!" A new influx of tears burst out of Kon's beady eyes.
"They... THEY WERE ALL NAKED TOGETHER IN THE OTHER BANQUET ROOM AND- MMPH!" Ichigo jammed his fist into Kon's mouth before the Modsoul could spout more news that no one wanted to hear. He exchanged awkward glances with Renji and Ishida. The group of friends were quiet, unsure of what to say. At long last-
"Weren't they technically supposed to wait until they get to the bridal chamber?" Ishida asked, his cheeks red. He pushed his glasses up on his nose again, hiding his embarrassment.
"Yeah..." Ichigo said awkwardly, squeezing his hand tighter around the struggling Kon's mouth. "I thought so, too." Then-
"WOOOOHHOOOOO! MY THIRD DAUGHTER'S BECOME A WOMAN!" Isshin flung his arms around his son and jumped up and down, tears streaming down his cheeks. "YOUR DADDY IS SO PROUD OF YOU-"
"WILL YOU SHUT UP?" Ichigo kicked his dancing father across the couryard. "Everyone's already staring at us because they heard what Kon said! And you're making it worse!" More silence descended on the group of friends. Then-
"You know, I really will never see Taicho in the same way again."
"You DON'T say?"
A little farther away from the group, Kyouraku Shunsui laughed along with Ukitake.
"Well, well, I didn't realize that Byakuya was such a sly boy after all. In the empty banquet room, too." He sighed. "We should be friends, since we're not so unalike after all."
"Shunsui," Ukitake said thoughtfully. "Should we tell Byakuya and Kuchiki-san that everyone knows what they did during dinner? Just to give them a heads up?" His friend shook his head.
"Naw, I think it's better that they don't know."
"Byakuya-sama, your bride is ready for you."
Byakuya nodded and slid open the door to the specially-prepared bridal chamber. Although his face was smooth and serene, his anticipation leapt up wildly within his heart.
And there, kneeling stiffly on the futon was Rukia. A smile threatened to lift his lips as his eyes took in her petite frame, the large, violet eyes gazing back at him uncertainly, her face pink.
So she is still nervous even though we have already done this. This girl...
Their first night together as a married couple. Byakuya did not want anything to go wrong.
"B—Byakuya..." Rukia looked up at him as he came to stand before her. She seemed so small, kneeling down on the futon.
"Rukia," he said softly, sliding the syllables of her name around his tongue. He enjoyed seeing her already pink face redden even more.
"I... Do I need to shower?" she asked hesitantly. "I—I can take a shower if you want-" Her breath hitched when he knelt down, a slim finger tilting her head up to look him in the eyes.
"That is not necessary. Tonight, you only need to be here..." Byakuya came closer to her, so close that his lips just teasingly brushed against hers. "... with me." He pulled back suddenly.
"Undress me."
A brilliant flush spread over Rukia's cheeks and down her throat. "U—Undress?"
"I believe undressing her new husband is part of a wife's duty on their first night..." His voice sunk a decibel lower. "... before they begin some... activities." Rukia straightened herself, obviously trying not to be nervous.
"Hai." She reached out, undoing the golden chain which held together the front of his haori. Pulling it off his shoulders, Rukia prepared to fold it, but he stopped her.
"That is unnecessary." His gray-eyed gaze bore into her. "You may leave my garments next to our bed."
"O—Oh..." Rukia dutifully dropped the rich fabric beside them and began untying the knots of his kimono. She gave out an ungainly squeak when Byakuya began nuzzling her neck.
"B—Byakuya... stop... I can't do this if you're being like that." She gasped when he nipped at her fragrant skin, sucking lightly on the mark. With one hand, Byakuya reached to Rukia's side, deftly undoing the knots on her kimono. He pressed himself more insistently against her, lowering them onto the bed.
"Rukia..." Gently, he touched his lips to her forehead, savoring the warmth of her skin against his mouth. "Today..."
He trailed kisses down to her sweet nose.
"You have made me..."
His arms encircled her small body in a loving caress as her small hands fisted against his chest. He slanted his mouth over hers, his tongue already gliding over her plump, petal-like lips.
"The happiest I have ever been."
"Is that so?"
Byakuya and Rukia instantly froze on the bed.
That voice. Byakuya knew who it belonged to, but it was impossible.
Impossible that he would have survived.
Byakuya slowly turned around and looked over his shoulder, cold dread seeping into his every pore.
There in the bedroom stood the Shadow, completely whole and revived.
Woaahhhh, it's a cliffie! I know you all like cliffies... hehe. The Shadow is alive and out for blood! D: And you all thought that I'd let Byakuya and Rukia be happy so easily? Fluffymushrooms is not so kind. ;] I wonder if any of you hhad guessed that the Shadow actually hadn't died. Was I sneaky in hiding that ?lol Nevertheless, this chapter was on the long side, wasn't it? Whether that's a good or bad thing totally depends on you. ;] I hoped that I showed both Rukia's and Byakuya's feelings well during the wedding ceremony... and the dinner heheheh... They just couldn't wait any longer, could they? In the empty banquet hall, too. ;] Lot's of sexy Byakuya in this chappie, too ;] I tried to show how gentle Byakuya is with Rukia to put her at ease (since we all know that he is very sweet to her, all the more so in the recent Bleach chapters), but is still seducing. Personally, I feel that Byakuya has a more seductive vibe that he exudes, compared to someone like Ichigo (even Kubo draws Byakun in sexier poses)... but then again, that's just my opinion. ;] I thought that since Rukia likes to read romance novels, she would probably want to use them as a reference when she was together with Byakuya. But it seems Byakun doesn't like that, does he? ;] I also added in some funny parts for comic relief, like the picture-taking scene, the Seaweed Ambassador and Chappy ice statues (because we know Byakuya would have something like that made for his wedding), and Kon. Wonder when Rukia and Byakuya will find out that they were seen? :]
I'd like to just say that I probably won't be able to update for another 2-3 weeks, which is until my exams are over and I'm free *cheers*. When I do, I'll probably update a new chapter for No Regrets, since it's been awhile since I updated that story. Seriously... I have no time to do anything but study *sobs* Please be patient with me because I'm trying. :]
So kindly give me lots of reviews, even though it's been awhile. :] I worked very hard to give this to all of you, especially since I've been busy. I actually liked how this chapter turned out, so I'd really like to hear what you all think. Was it good? Bad? Please let this author know and make her happy :]